Beats and More

Beats Brothas 

We sent Logan on a little hunt to find his gift

As expected, Logan was thrilled about the Beats he got for his birthday.  It is fun to buy gifts for your children and see them enjoy and appreciate them so much.

My family is truly my greatest joy.


Logan gave our FHE lesson last week about family unity.  He used great props to make his point.  He had a basketball game on Thursday.  Our neighbor, Robin Yeamans, her daughter Claire, and another friend Julia Anderson (kids call her Noni) came.  It was so nice to have a little cheering section for Logan.  All these years we've lived away, we rarely have family to be at games.  Sitting with them gave me all the more excitement to be surrounded by family in Utah.

Which Lipstick Lasts the Longest?

Mariah completed her first ever science fair project.  We worked hard on that together and the final result was something she could be proud of.  She is such a lovely girl.  She has a heart of gold and is strong in her sense of self.  She has embraced the values of the gospel and lives them.  She is an exceptional girl.  Mariah tried out for an AAU basketball league.  The coaches were impressed and during a conversation with Tyler showed her name had been written down at the top of their list.  We are so proud of her!

Listening to Vovo's music.  His favorite song is "Firewater"

Harrison had an amazing basketball game scoring 18 points and taking his team to a victory.  He was sure excited and proud, as were we.  He has really improved on being more organized as the school year progresses.  He is a smart little cookie and is always asking deep and inquisitive questions.  He wants to know how everything works, what words mean, etc.  He is the most endeared to my dad, and since receiving my dad's special CD he recorded for Christmas, Harrison constantly listens to it and seeks to understand the lyrics.  He has cried a few times for his Vovo.. I think those 2 have a lot in common and share a special bond.  It feels good to tell him that soon we will be neighbors.  It will be a wonderful time while my dad is still here with us.

Years apart in age, but share a lot of similar interests.  Snap Circuit time.

Jake is about to turn 3.  He is a delight and doesn't miss a thing.  He is doing a lot of the usual toddler/preschool stuff:  going on hunger strikes, throwing a tantrum here and there, and saying cute things all the time.  He is such an easy going, compliant little guy.  I took him to his cousin, Bea's birthday yesterday.  He had a great time.  He was so sweet with all the other kids and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

Tuesday is chopping and baking day.  Jake is always there to help.

Our house is still for sale.  I get asked all the time if it's so hard to be doing this with 4 kids.  This has actually been the least stressful home sale.  Usually Tyler has to move before us and I am left with little ones to keep the house up on my own.  Tyler will be staying with us until we move and is a huge help.  The 3 older kids are all contributing by keeping watch of their "zones" and keeping their rooms tidy.  We have a good system down and everyone is vested in the home sale.  In fact, there have been a lot of life lesson opps during this process.  They had a hard time at first when people would come through and didn't want to buy it.  We have had a lot of talks about the Lord's timing, and how waiting is hard when we really want something.  They are learning about the real estate world and how things work.  It has been a great family experience.

BBQ for Fred's birthday turned into a neighborhood party.  

The more I ponder on the timing of these things, the more I see God's wisdom in waiting for some time.  The inspiration to move came so swiftly, so urgently, that once the house was up, we thought it would go quickly and we'd be out of here.  But I think the Lord knew Jake's extended family needed some time to digest and cope with this unexpected change, and also the Lord has given me time to process all of this and doesn't want me moving feeling guilty.  I have struggled with that since we announced the move- knowing that my decision was hurting them so much.  But the vision is clear and I know we are doing the right thing.  I am happy that I will be moving feeling that assurance.

So now we're ready!  Hopefully an offer will come soon.